Client stories

Personal stories from BreastScreen Queensland clients about their experience.

Suzanna, Cairns

My breast screen with BreastScreen Queensland was a very positive experience.

Before my first breast screen, I was worried that it was going to be painful. I had heard that your breasts are squeezed really hard between 2 cold plates and that you feel the pain for days afterwards. I was also worried that the radiographer could be male.

When I arrived for my appointment, the woman at reception was very welcoming and I didn’t have to wait long for my breast screen. I was pleased to find out that all BreastScreen Queensland radiographers are female. My radiographer was lovely and gentle. It didn’t hurt to have the breast screen.

The whole process was quick, painless and very professional. I’ll be going back to BreastScreen Queensland for my next breast screen.

Sandy, Sunshine Coast

I started screening with BreastScreen Queensland when I was about 40 and went back regularly. The staff were wonderful, always helpful and caring.

When I was 50, my breast screen showed something that meant I had to go back for more tests. After these tests I was told that I had breast cancer in my left breast. It was such a shock. I eat healthy, don’t drink alcohol or smoke. I thought, “Why me?”

I was told that I would be referred to a specialist breast doctor to discuss the treatment I would receive. I had almost a year of treatment at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The amazing thing was that it was all free.

Seven years after my breast cancer diagnosis, I was referred back to BreastScreen Queensland to continue with screening.

I’m sure BreastScreen Queensland saved my life. I’m so grateful to them for the life I have with my wonderful family – my husband, our beautiful kids and grandkids!

Susan, Rockhampton mobile service

I believe the incredible service provided by the BreastScreen Queensland mobile van saved my life.

I wasn’t sure if I should go for a breast screen when I turned 50. I was a country woman in excellent health, busy with work and family, and I had no family history of breast cancer. I thought I was at low risk and I hadn’t noticed any symptoms of breast cancer.

I now know that early breast cancer often doesn’t have symptoms and that anyone can get breast cancer, even if you think you’re low risk. My breast cancer was diagnosed at my first breast screen. It was an aggressive type of cancer that probably would have ended my life if it hadn’t been found when it was.

I’m so thankful that I decided to go ahead and have that breast screen. It’s the reason I'm here today celebrating life. I’ll be forever grateful to the staff of BreastScreen Queensland for their support and care through my breast cancer journey.

Last updated: October 2021